Online bachelor’s in computer science programs
Computer science bachelor's degrees can open doors to a tech career. Explore the degree's advantages, the opportunities it can lead to, and further education options in computer science.
Explore computer science degrees
Why pursue an online bachelor's in computer science?
Join a rapidly expanding field
The BLS projects that from 2024-34, computer and information technology jobs will grow at rates much higher than the average rates across all industries.
Develop useful, in-demand skills
Employers in the public and private sectors have strong, ongoing demand for professionals with technology skills.
Earn higher-than-average salaries
Many computer and information technology roles — including those available to bachelor's degree-holders — pay salaries that exceed the national average.
Find the right online bachelor's in computer science program for you
What do you learn in an online computer science program?
Computer science bachelor's programs usually consist of about 120 semester credits or the equivalent. Full-time students in regularly paced curricula can typically earn their degrees in four academic years.
At the bachelor's level, programs often focus on building a versatile and transferable suite of hard technical skills. Academic content typically covers:
- Computer algorithms
- Cyber and information security
- Network and system design and analysis
- Programming languages
Some programs offer specialization options in cybersecurity, information technology, and software development or engineering. Reflecting growing interest in the field, schools also offer learning tracks focused on artificial intelligence (AI).
Required courses you may encounter include:
- Algorithm design and analysis
- Fundamentals of computer networking
- Introductory, intermediate, and advanced programming
- Relational database design and administration
- Software design, development, and engineering
Curricula vary among schools and concentration tracks. Always review it in detail before applying to ensure your program aligns with your learning objectives.
Undergraduate programs similar to computer science
Bachelor's in computer programming
This path focuses on object-oriented programming and common programming languages. It mainly supports entry into career paths in programming and software development.
Bachelor's in artificial intelligence
AI exploded into the technical and cultural mainstream in the early 2020s, and appears poised to reshape the technology industry. Key concepts you'll study include machine learning, natural language processing, and AI applications.
Bachelor's in computer engineering
In this specialization, you'll focus on computer hardware, software, and their integrations. Coursework typically takes a business-oriented focus, emphasizing practical solutions that match enterprise needs.
What jobs can you get with an online bachelor’s in computer science?
Computer science professionals can potentially find employment in virtually any industry with significant reliance on digital and networked technologies. You can find a permanent position with a single employer or work for a tech services firm that serves multiple clients.
Common job titles and career paths include roles like:
- Database or network administrator
- Cybersecurity analyst
- Software or web developer
- Systems analyst
Responsibilities vary depending on your role and experience level. That said, you'll draw on technical proficiencies in programming, networking, and systems analysis, along with soft communication and organization skills.
Computer and information technology professionals typically advance as their experience and technical abilities grow. Salaries generally rise as you move up, sometimes significantly.
Salary and career outlook for computer science professionals
The income you could earn with a bachelor's degree in computer science depends on factors such as your location, industry, experience level, and hard skills.
Here are a handful of common computer science career paths, with salary and job outlook data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):
| Job | Annual median salary (May 2024) | Projected employment growth (2024-2034) |
|---|---|---|
| Database administrator | $123,100 | +4% |
| Information security analyst | $124,910 | +29% |
| Network administrator | $96,800 | -4% |
| Software developer | $131,450 | +15% |
| Systems analyst | $103,790 | +9% |
| Web developer | $95,380 | +7% |
What else can you do with a computer science bachelor's?
You can readily study computer science beyond the bachelor's level. offer more targeted specialization opportunities and deeper coverage of advanced concepts, creating a path to a stronger and more agile skillset.
Master's concentrations largely extend to topics similar to those available at the bachelor's level. However, some particularly specific examples are more readily available to master's students, including:
- Cloud computing and security
- Human-computer interaction
- Mobile computing
- Robotics